# Sheep Barn Feed Storage and Bunk Design ## Key Takeaways - Optimal hay storage requires protection from moisture and pests, good drainage, and adequate airflow to prevent mold and spontaneous combustion, with indoor storage reducing dry matter loss by 10-30% compared to outdoor methods. - Grain must be stored in rodent-proof, airtight containers (metal or plastic bins, drums) elevated off the floor and maintained below 14% moisture and 70°F to prevent spoilage and contamination. - Feed bunks should provide 12-16 inches of linear space per adult ewe when feeding simultaneously, designed to prevent sheep from stepping in feed or contaminating it with manure, thereby minimizing waste and disease transmission. - A dedicated feed room, at least 8x10 feet with a concrete floor, workbench, shelving, and lockable storage, is crucial for organizing supplements, medications, and daily feed rations, facilitating accurate measurement with scales and scoops. - Daily monitoring of feed intake and body condition scoring (BCS) on a 1-5 scale are critical for adjusting rations based on production stage (maintenance, late pregnancy, lactation) and preventing issues like grain overload or nutritional deficiencies. - Prompt consultation with a veterinarian is indicated for sudden flock-wide feed intake drops, signs of mold toxicity (tremors, neurological signs), or suspected grain overload (depression, diarrhea, staggering). --- Feeding sheep in a barn setting requires more than just putting out hay and grain. The way you store feed and the design of your feed bunks directly affect feed waste, animal health, labor hours, and your bottom line. This guide covers the full system of [sheep feed storage](/knowledge/animal-farming/sheep/sheep-feed-storage-preservation-minimizing-waste-mold) barn planning, from choosing a site and building hay storage to designing grain bins and feed rooms, plus practical bunk designs that reduce waste and keep your flock healthy. It is written for sheep producers who are building a new barn, renovating an existing structure, or looking to improve their current feeding setup, whether you manage 20 ewes or 2000. ## At a Glance - Store hay under cover with good drainage and airflow to prevent mold and heating. - Keep grain in rodent-proof metal or plastic containers, off the floor, and away from moisture. - Design feed bunks so sheep can eat comfortably without stepping in feed or soiling it with manure. - Provide 12 to 16 inches of bunk space per adult ewe when feeding all sheep at once. - Use a feed room for mixing rations, storing supplements, and keeping medications and records organized. - Place the feed storage area upwind of the barn and orient the barn to reduce snow drifting and mud. - Monitor feed intake daily and adjust rations based on body condition scores and stage of production. - Call your veterinarian or extension agent if you see a sudden drop in feed intake, moldy feed, or signs of illness linked to feeding. ## Why Feed Storage and Bunk Design Matter Feed is the largest variable cost in a sheep operation. Even a small farm feeding 50 ewes for six months will move several tons of hay and over a ton of grain. How you store those feeds and present them to the animals determines how much of that investment actually reaches the sheep's digestive system. Poor feed storage leads to dry matter loss, mold growth, nutrient degradation, and rodent contamination. Studies from land-grant universities consistently show that improperly stored hay can lose 10 to 30 percent of its dry matter, and the nutritional value of the remaining hay drops as well. Rain-damaged hay loses soluble carbohydrates and protein, and moldy hay can cause respiratory issues and digestive upsets in sheep. Poor bunk design leads to a different set of losses. Sheep are selective eaters. When they can push feed onto the floor, sort through it, or walk through it, they waste more. They also contaminate feed with manure, which increases the risk of parasite transmission and bacterial contamination. Sheep that cannot access feed comfortably may not eat enough, leading to weight loss, poor pregnancy outcomes, and reduced milk production. The barn itself connects these two systems. A well-designed sheep barn feed storage area puts hay and grain close to where you feed, protects feed from weather and pests, and makes daily chores efficient. A poorly designed barn creates extra steps, unsafe working conditions, and feed that is hard to access in bad weather. This article walks through each component in detail, with practical specifications you can use for planning, building, or improving your sheep operation. ## Planning Your Sheep Feed Storage Barn Before you pour concrete or set posts, take time to plan the whole feeding system. The layout of your barn affects how you move feed, how you move sheep, and how much labor each feeding takes. ### Assess Your Flock Size and Feed Needs Start by calculating how much feed you need to store. This determines the size of your hay storage area, grain bins, and feed room. For a ewe flock, estimate the following: - A mature ewe weighing 150 to 180 pounds eats 3.5 to 5.5 pounds of hay dry matter per day in maintenance, and more during late pregnancy and lactation. - A ewe in late pregnancy may eat 5 to 7 pounds of hay per day. - A lactating ewe with twins may eat 6 to 8 pounds of hay per day. - Grain or concentrate feeding ranges from 0.5 to 2 pounds per ewe per day depending on stage of production. For a 100-ewe flock, plan on storing at least 20 to 30 tons of hay for a typical winter feeding period of 120 days. That is roughly 500 to 750 square bales weighing 40 to 60 pounds each, or about 20 to 30 large round bales. For grain, if you feed 1 pound per ewe per day for 60 days around lambing, you need 6000 pounds of grain for 100 ewes. Store at least a two-week supply in your feed room, with the bulk supply in secure bins. ### Choose the Barn Location The feed storage area should be: - Upwind of the barn and animal areas to reduce dust and feed odors blowing toward animals. - On high ground with good drainage so water does not pool around feed. - Accessible to your tractor or feed cart without tight turns. - Close to the feeding area to reduce carrying distance. - Protected from prevailing winter winds to reduce snow drifting. If you are building new, orient the barn with the long axis perpendicular to prevailing winter winds. Put the feed storage on the leeward side or inside the barn structure. A drive-through hay storage area is convenient because you can load hay from one end and feed from the other. ### Match Storage to Your Feeding System Decide how you will feed before you design storage. If you feed square bales by hand, you need wide aisles and a hay storage area close to the pens. If you feed round bales with a tractor, you need a different layout with access for equipment. If you use a total mixed ration, you need a feed room with a mixer and a feeding alley. Your feeding system also determines bunk design. A hay feeder works differently from a grain trough. If you feed both, you may need separate systems or a bunk that handles both. ## Hay Storage Design Hay is bulky, heavy, and perishable. Storing it properly is one of the most important parts of a sheep feed storage barn. ### Indoor Hay Storage Storing hay inside a barn protects it from rain and reduces dry matter loss. A simple pole barn or shed with a roof and three sides is often sufficient. The key requirements are: - A solid roof that does not leak. - Good drainage underneath the hay. - Airflow to allow moisture to escape. - Protection from ground moisture. For square bales, stack them on pallets or a gravel base to keep them off the ground. Leave a gap of at least 4 inches between the bottom of the bales and the floor. Stack bales in a crisscross pattern for stability, and do not stack so high that you cannot safely retrieve them. Eight to ten bales high is typical for small square bales. For round bales, store them in rows with the flat ends touching, or on end in a single layer. If you stack round bales, you need equipment to handle them safely. Do not stack round bales more than two high. Ventilation is critical. Hay that is stored with too much moisture can heat and spontaneously combust. If you bale hay at more than 18 to 20 percent moisture, it will heat in storage. Monitor stored hay for the first few weeks after putting it in the barn. If you smell a sweet, tobacco-like odor or see steam rising from the stack, the hay is heating and you need to move it to allow airflow. ### Hay Storage Space Requirements Plan for the following space: - A small square bale (14 x 18 x 36 inches) takes up about 7.5 cubic feet. - A large round bale (5 feet in diameter by 5 feet wide) takes up about 98 cubic feet. - A three-string bale (16 x 22 x 44 inches) takes up about 9 cubic feet. For 100 ewes fed for 120 days, you need roughly 2400 square bales. Stacked 10 high, that takes up about 1800 square feet of floor space. That is a storage area about 30 feet by 60 feet. If you use round bales, you need about 30 bales for the same flock. Stored in a single layer, that takes up about 750 square feet. Add 20 percent more space for aisles, handling room, and a buffer for years when you need to store more feed. ### Outdoor Hay Storage With Cover If you cannot store all hay indoors, you can store some outside with a tarp or under a simple roof. The key is to keep the top and bottom dry. - Use a gravel pad for drainage. - Place bales on pallets or old tires to keep them off the ground. - Cover the stack with a heavy tarp, weighted down. - Leave the sides open for airflow. Outdoor hay storage loses more dry matter than indoor storage, especially on the outer layer. Plan for 10 to 15 percent loss and buy or produce extra hay to compensate. ### Hay Storage Mistakes to Avoid Do not store hay in the same enclosed space where you keep sheep. Hay dust and mold spores can cause respiratory problems in sheep, and the animals can burrow into the stack and get injured. Do not store hay in a low, wet area. Ground moisture wicks up into the bales and causes mold. Do not stack hay against a wall without leaving an air gap. Condensation can form on the wall and dampen the hay. Do not forget about fire safety. Hay that heats can ignite. Keep a fire extinguisher near the hay storage area and check hay temperature regularly in the first weeks after storage. ## Grain Storage Design Grain is more concentrated than hay and more vulnerable to moisture and pests. Proper grain storage keeps feed safe and palatable. ### Bulk Grain Storage For flocks that go through more than a few hundred pounds of grain per month, consider bulk storage bins. Options include: - Steel grain bins designed for on-farm storage. - Polyethylene bulk bins with lids. - Repurposed food-grade drums or totes. The bin should be: - Airtight to keep out moisture and rodents. - Easy to fill and empty. - Equipped with a lid that closes securely. - Placed on a concrete pad or pallet to keep it off the ground. A 55-gallon drum holds about 400 pounds of whole corn or about 350 pounds of pelleted feed. A 275-gallon tote holds about 2000 pounds of grain. Calculate your weekly grain use and size your bulk storage to hold at least a two-week supply, ideally a month. ### Feed Room Storage The feed room is where you keep the grain you use daily or weekly. This is separate from bulk storage. The feed room should have: - Metal or plastic trash cans with tight lids for opened bags of feed. - A scoop and scale for accurate measuring. - A clean, dry surface for mixing. - Shelving for supplements and medications. - A locked cabinet for medications and any treated feed. Never store feed in open bags on the floor. Mice and rats will find it, and moisture will spoil it. Transfer feed to sealed containers as soon as you open a bag. ### Grain Storage Conditions Grain keeps best when it is: - Dry, below 13 to 14 percent moisture. - Cool, below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. - Protected from light. - Protected from insects and rodents. Check stored grain regularly for signs of moisture, mold, or insect infestation. If grain smells musty or sour, do not feed it to sheep. ### Rodent Control in the Feed Room Rodents are a major problem in sheep feed storage. They eat and contaminate feed, spread disease, and damage structures. A comprehensive rodent control program includes: - Sealing all gaps and holes in the feed room walls and floor. - Keeping doors closed when not in use. - Storing all feed in rodent-proof containers. - Using snap traps or bait stations around the perimeter. - Keeping the area around the feed room clean and free of clutter. Do not use loose rodent bait where sheep can access it. Use bait stations that are secured and placed where only rodents can enter. ## [Feed Bunk Design](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/feedlot-feed-bunk-design-management) The feed bunk is where your storage system meets your sheep. Good bunk design reduces waste, keeps feed clean, and allows all sheep to eat comfortably. ### Types of Feed Bunks Several bunk styles work well for sheep: **Hay racks or feeders**: These hold hay and allow sheep to pull it through vertical bars or a slatted front. The goal is to keep hay off the floor and reduce waste. Common designs include: - A-frame feeders: These have slats on both sides forming an A shape. Sheep eat from both sides. The angle of the slats should be steep enough that sheep cannot step into the feeder. - Hay racks with vertical bars: These mount on a wall or stand alone. Bars should be spaced so sheep can pull hay through but cannot get their heads stuck. A spacing of 5 to 6 inches works for adult sheep. - Cradle feeders: These have a V-shaped trough with slats on top. Hay sits in the V and sheep pull it through the slats. **Grain troughs**: These are shallow troughs for grain and concentrates. They should be: - Low enough for sheep to reach comfortably, about 18 to 24 inches from the floor to the top of the trough. - Narrow enough that sheep cannot step into them, about 10 to 12 inches wide at the top. - Smooth on the inside so feed does not get trapped in corners. - Easy to clean. **Combination bunks**: Some designs allow feeding hay and grain in the same unit, with a hay rack on top and a grain trough below. These save space but require careful design so manure and hay do not fall into the grain. ### Bunk Space Requirements The amount of bunk space you need depends on how you feed: - If you feed all sheep at once in a single group, provide 12 to 16 inches of bunk space per adult ewe. - If you feed in multiple groups or use continuous access, you can reduce space to 8 to 10 inches per ewe. - Rams need more space, about 18 to 24 inches per ram. - Lambs need less space, about 6 to 8 inches per lamb. When bunks are too crowded, subordinate sheep do not get enough feed. This is especially a problem in groups with a wide range of body sizes or ages. ### Bunk Height and Accessibility The top of the feed bunk should be at the right height for your sheep. Adult sheep can comfortably reach feed that is 18 to 24 inches off the floor. The bunk should be deep enough that feed does not spill over the sides but shallow enough that sheep can reach the bottom. For lambs, lower the bunk or provide a separate lamb creep feeder. A creep feeder has openings that only lambs can enter, allowing them to eat grain without competition from adult sheep. ### Reducing Feed Waste at the Bunk Waste happens when sheep can: - Push feed onto the floor. - Step into the feeder and contaminate feed. - Sort through feed and leave unpalatable parts. To reduce waste: - Use feeders with a solid floor or a tray to catch dropped hay. - Design the feeder so sheep cannot climb into it. - Do not overfill feeders. Fill them frequently with smaller amounts. - Place feeders on a solid surface that you can sweep clean. - Consider using a feeder with a slanted front that forces sheep to eat with their heads down. A well-designed hay feeder can reduce waste from 30 percent (when hay is fed on the ground) to less than 10 percent. ### Bunk Placement in the Barn Place bunks where: - Sheep have good footing. Concrete floors should be roughened or grooved to prevent slipping. - There is good lighting so you can inspect feed and animals. - You can observe sheep while they eat. - There is enough space for all sheep to access the bunk without crowding. Consider placing bunks along a wall or fence line so sheep approach from one side. This reduces competition and makes it easier to control access. ## The Feed Room The feed room is the control center of your feeding operation. It is where you store daily feed, mix rations, and keep records. ### Feed Room Size and Layout A feed room for a 100-ewe flock should be at least 8 feet by 10 feet. Larger flocks need more space. The room should have: - A concrete floor that is easy to sweep and wash. - A workbench at a comfortable height. - Shelving for supplements and medications. - A sink with running water if possible. - Good lighting. - A lockable door. ### Feed Room Equipment Equip your feed room with: - A scale for weighing feed. A digital scale that reads in 0.1 pound increments works well. - A grain scoop or measuring cup for each type of feed. - Buckets and containers for mixing. - A feed cart or wheelbarrow for transporting feed to bunks. - A whiteboard or notebook for recording feed use. - A thermometer to monitor feed room temperature. ### Feed Room Organization Organize the feed room so that: - Feed is stored off the floor in sealed containers. - Supplements are labeled and stored separately from medications. - Medications are locked in a cabinet. - Records are kept in a waterproof binder or on a computer. - Tools and equipment have a designated place. A clean, organized feed room makes daily feeding faster and safer. It also reduces the risk of feeding the wrong supplement or medication to your sheep. ## Feeding Systems and Daily Management The best storage and bunk design only works if you have a solid daily feeding routine. ### Creating a Feeding Schedule Sheep do best on a regular feeding schedule. Feed at the same times each day, typically once or twice daily. Consistent feeding reduces stress and helps you notice problems early. For most operations, feeding once in the morning works well. Some producers prefer to feed half the daily ration in the morning and half in the evening, especially for ewes in late pregnancy or lactation. ### [Monitoring Feed Intake](/knowledge/animal-farming/farm-management/monitoring-feed-intake-tools-techniques) Pay attention to how much your sheep eat. A sudden drop in feed intake is often the first sign of illness, stress, or a feed problem. Keep track of: - How much feed you put out each day. - How much is left at the next feeding. - Which animals are eating and which are not. - Changes in body condition. If feed intake drops, investigate the cause. Check the feed for mold or spoilage, check the water supply, and observe the sheep for signs of illness. ### Adjusting Rations by Stage of Production Sheep have different nutritional needs at different times of the year. Adjust your feeding program accordingly: - Maintenance: Ewes that are not pregnant or lactating need a maintenance ration of good-quality hay. - Flushing: Two to three weeks before breeding, increase feed to improve ovulation rates. - Early to mid pregnancy: Maintain ewes on a moderate ration. Overfeeding can cause large lambs and lambing problems. - Late pregnancy: Increase feed gradually in the last 4 to 6 weeks before lambing. Ewes need more energy as the lambs grow rapidly. - Lactation: Ewes with lambs need the highest energy and protein intake of the year. Provide free-choice hay and grain according to the number of lambs nursing. ### [Body Condition Scoring](/knowledge/animal-farming/farm-management/body-condition-scoring-a-tool-for-feed-management) Body condition scoring is a practical tool for monitoring whether your sheep are getting enough feed. Score ewes on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is emaciated and 5 is obese. - At breeding, ewes should score 3 to 3.5. - At lambing, ewes should score 2.5 to 3. - Ewes that drop below 2.5 need more feed. - Ewes above 3.5 should have their feed reduced. Check body condition at key points: before breeding, at pregnancy diagnosis, 4 weeks before lambing, and at weaning. ## Common Mistakes in Feed Storage and Bunk Design Avoid these common problems that cost sheep producers money and reduce flock health. ### Storing Hay Too Wet Hay baled above 18 to 20 percent moisture will heat and mold. This reduces quality and can cause respiratory problems in sheep. If you must bale hay at higher moisture, use a preservative or plan to feed it quickly before it spoils. ### Storing Hay in the Same Space as Sheep Sheep will burrow into hay stacks, contaminate feed, and injure themselves. Keep hay storage separate from animal areas. ### Using Feeders That Sheep Can Climb Into When sheep can climb into a feeder, they contaminate feed with manure and urine. This increases parasite exposure and waste. Design feeders so sheep can only reach their heads through the openings. ### Overcrowding the Bunk Too little bunk space means subordinate sheep do not get enough feed. This leads to uneven body condition and poor performance. Provide adequate space or feed in multiple groups. ### Ignoring Feed Storage Temperature Grain and supplements can spoil in hot weather. Keep the feed room cool and well-ventilated. Do not store feed in direct sunlight. ### Not Checking Feed for Mold Moldy feed can cause digestive upsets, respiratory problems, and even death in sheep. Check feed regularly and discard any that shows signs of mold. ### Forgetting About Water Sheep need clean, fresh water at all times. Water intake affects feed intake. A sheep that does not drink enough will not eat enough. Place water sources near feeding areas but away from feed bunks to keep feed dry. ## Monitoring and Recordkeeping Good records help you manage feed costs and identify problems early. ### What to Record Keep records of: - Feed purchases: type, amount, cost, and date. - Feed inventory: what is in storage and how much remains. - Daily feed use: what you feed and how much. - Flock health: any animals that go off feed or show signs of illness. - Body condition scores: record scores at each check. - Lambing and weaning weights: these reflect the success of your feeding program. ### Using Records to Improve Review your records monthly and at key points in the production cycle. Use them to: - Calculate feed cost per ewe per day. - Compare feed efficiency across groups. - Identify when feed intake drops and investigate causes. - Plan feed purchases for the next season. ### Digital Tools Many producers use spreadsheets or farm management software to track feed and flock data. Simple tools work well. The key is consistency. Record data at the same time each day and review it regularly. ## When to Call a Veterinarian or Extension Agent Most feeding problems can be solved with good management, but some situations require professional help. ### Call Your Veterinarian If You See: - A sudden drop in feed intake across the flock. - Multiple animals showing signs of illness after eating. - Signs of grain overload: depression, diarrhea, bloating, staggering, or recumbency. Grain overload is an emergency. - Signs of mold toxicity: tremors, weakness, or neurological signs. - Animals choking on feed. - Unexplained weight loss despite adequate feed. ### Call Your Extension Agent If You Need: - Help formulating rations for your specific flock and feed types. - Advice on barn design or renovation. - Help interpreting feed test results. - Information on local feed sources and prices. - Assistance with parasite management related to feeding systems. ### Testing Feed If you are concerned about feed quality, have your hay and grain tested. A forage test measures protein, energy, fiber, and mineral content. This helps you balance rations accurately. Your extension agent can help you interpret results. ## Special Considerations for Different Operations ### Small Flocks (Under 50 Ewes) Small flocks have simpler needs but still benefit from good design. A small barn with a dedicated feed room and a few well-built feeders can work well. You may not need bulk grain storage, but you still need rodent-proof containers for bagged feed. ### Large Flocks (Over 500 Ewes) Large operations need more automation and efficiency. Consider: - Drive-through hay storage for quick loading and unloading. - Bulk grain bins with augers to move feed to the feed room. - Mechanical feeders or self-feeders for hay. - Electronic identification and automated feeding systems for individual animals. ### Organic and Pasture-Based Operations If you raise sheep on pasture, your barn may be used mainly for winter feeding and lambing. Focus on: - Hay storage that preserves quality for winter feeding. - Feed bunks that can be moved to avoid mud and manure buildup. - Feeding areas with good drainage. - Storage for mineral supplements that meet organic standards. ### Hot Climates In warm regions, feed storage needs to protect feed from heat and humidity. Use: - Well-ventilated hay storage to prevent mold. - Airtight grain bins to keep out moisture. - Feed bunks in shaded areas to keep feed cool. - Water sources near feeding areas to encourage intake. ### Cold Climates In cold regions, the main challenges are snow, ice, and frozen feed. Plan for: - A sheltered feeding area to keep animals comfortable. - Hay storage protected from snow and wind. - Feed bunks that are easy to clear of snow and ice. - Water systems that do not freeze. ## Building or Renovating Your Sheep Feed Storage Barn Whether you are building new or renovating, follow these steps. ### Step 1: Define Your Needs Write down: - Flock size and expected growth. - Feeding system (hay, grain, total mixed ration). - Equipment you use (tractor, feed cart, mixer). - Labor available for feeding. - Budget for construction. ### Step 2: Design the Layout Sketch the barn layout, showing: - Hay storage area. - Grain storage area. - Feed room. - Animal pens and feeding areas. - Aisles for equipment and people. - Water sources. Aim for a flow that moves feed from storage to bunk with minimal handling. ### Step 3: Choose Materials Select materials that are: - Durable and easy to clean. - Safe for sheep (no sharp edges or protruding hardware). - Resistant to moisture and rodents. - Appropriate for your climate. For floors, concrete is best for feed rooms and feeding areas. For hay storage, a gravel base or concrete pad works well. ### Step 4: Build or Renovate If you are renovating, prioritize: - Fixing roof leaks. - Improving drainage. - Sealing rodent entry points. - Upgrading feed storage containers. - Replacing poorly designed feeders. ### Step 5: Set Up Your System Once the structure is ready: - Install feed storage containers. - Set up the feed room with equipment and supplies. - Place feed bunks in the pens. - Test the system with a small group of sheep. - Make adjustments before the full flock uses the facility. ## Feed Storage Safety Safety matters in and around feed storage areas. ### Fire Safety Hay that is too wet can spontaneously combust. Monitor hay temperature for the first few weeks after storage. If you smell a sweet, musty odor or see steam, move the hay to allow airflow. Keep fire extinguishers near hay storage and the feed room. Post emergency numbers and have an evacuation plan. ### Equipment Safety Feeding equipment can be dangerous. Follow these rules: - Turn off augers and mixers before cleaning or unclogging. - Keep hands and loose clothing away from moving parts. - Use tractors and loaders with proper safety equipment. - Never enter a grain bin without proper safety equipment and a second person present. ### Chemical Safety Store medications, supplements, and any treated feed separately from regular feed. Use clear labels and keep a locked cabinet for medications. Do not use feed containers for chemicals or vice versa. ## Environmental Considerations Feed storage affects the environment around your barn. ### Manure Management Feed bunks create concentrated areas of manure. Plan for regular cleaning and proper manure storage. Compost manure away from feed storage and water sources. ### Mud Control Feeding areas can become muddy, especially in wet weather. Use: - Gravel or concrete pads around feed bunks. - Proper drainage to direct water away. - Rotating feeding areas to prevent mud buildup. ### Dust Control Hay and grain create dust. Keep the feed room and hay storage well ventilated. Wear a dust mask when handling dusty feed. ## Cost Considerations Feed storage and bunk design require an investment, but good design pays for itself through reduced waste and better animal performance. ### Estimate Your Costs Typical costs include: - Hay storage structure: varies widely by size and materials. - Grain bins: $200 to $2000 depending on size and type. - Feed bunks: $100 to $500 each depending on design and materials. - Feed room equipment: $500 to $2000 for scales, containers, and tools. ### Calculate Your Savings Reducing feed waste from 20 percent to 10 percent on a 20-ton hay supply saves 2 tons of hay. At $150 per ton, that is a $300 savings per year. Over a few years, good equipment pays for itself. ### Prioritize Your Spending If you have a limited budget, prioritize: 1. A dry, well-drained area for hay storage. 2. Rodent-proof grain storage. 3. Feed bunks that prevent waste. 4. A clean, organized feed room. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much hay storage space do I need for 100 ewes? For 100 ewes fed for 120 days, plan on 20 to 30 tons of hay. If you use small square bales, you need about 1800 square feet of floor space stacked 10 bales high. If you use large round bales, you need about 750 square feet for a single layer. Add 20 percent for aisles and handling room. ### What is the best material for sheep feed bunks? Galvanized steel, treated lumber, and heavy plastic are all good choices. The material should be smooth, easy to clean, and free of sharp edges. Avoid materials that splinter or rust quickly. Many producers build wooden feeders with steel or plastic-lined fronts for durability. ### How do I keep sheep from wasting hay? Use a feeder with a slatted front that forces sheep to pull hay through openings. This keeps hay off the floor and prevents sheep from walking through it. Do not overfill the feeder, and place it on a solid surface you can sweep clean. A well-designed hay feeder can reduce waste from 30 percent to under 10 percent. ### Can I store hay and grain in the same room? You can, but it is not ideal. Hay creates dust and can harbor rodents that will also find the grain. If you must store both in the same area, keep grain in sealed containers and maintain good ventilation. Ideally, store hay separately from grain and the feed room. ### How often should I clean my feed bunks? Clean feed bunks at least weekly, and more often if you see mold, manure, or uneaten feed buildup. Remove old feed before adding new feed. A clean bunk reduces the risk of disease and keeps feed palatable. ### What should I do if my sheep stop eating? First, check the feed. Look for mold, spoilage, or a change in feed type. Check the water supply. Then observe the sheep for signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or respiratory distress. If the problem persists for more than 24 hours or affects multiple animals, call your veterinarian. ### How high should a sheep feed bunk be off the ground? The top of the bunk should be 18 to 24 inches off the floor for adult sheep. Lambs need a lower bunk or a creep feeder. The bunk should be shallow enough that sheep can reach the bottom without straining. ### Do I need a separate feed room in my sheep barn? A dedicated feed room is highly recommended. It provides a clean, organized space for mixing rations, storing supplements, and keeping records. It also keeps daily feed supplies secure from rodents and weather. Even a small 8 by 10 foot room makes a big difference in efficiency and feed quality. ## Related Farming Guides This section will be populated with links to related farming guides on [sheep housing](/knowledge/animal-farming/alternative-livestock/sheep-housing-shelter-design-considerations), feeding management, flock health, and barn construction. Check back for updates or browse the site for more resources on sheep production. ## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides * [Sheep Grazing Lease: Terms, Rates, and Legal Considerations](/knowledge/animal-farming/sheep/sheep-grazing-lease-terms-rates-and-legal-considerations) * [Sheep Breed Selection for Meat, Wool, Dairy, and Low-Input Systems](/knowledge/animal-farming/sheep/sheep-breed-selection-for-meat-wool-dairy-and-low-input-systems) * [Sheep Barn Flooring for Hoof Health: Best Materials and Practices](/knowledge/animal-farming/sheep/sheep-barn-flooring-hoof-health-materials-practices) ## References - American Consortium for [Small Ruminant Parasite Control](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/food-animal-medicine/small-ruminant-parasite-control-diagnostic-strategies-anthelmintic-stewardship) (ACSRPC): https://www.wormx.info/ - USDA APHIS Sheep Health: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/sheep-goats - FAO Sheep and Goat Production: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/ - FAO Animal Production and Health: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/ - WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health): https://www.woah.org/en/home/ > This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.